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October 12, 2010

Toledo repeals BSL - adopts new dangerous dog law

This afternoon, the City Council in Toledo voted in favor of a new dangerous dog ordinance. The ordinance, which now defines a viction dog based on its behavior, not it's 'breed', will replace the long-time breed-specific ordinance in the city.

The law also contains harsher fines for dog bites and restrictions on how long a dog can be chained up in the community. The law also requires dogs to be altered at the owner's expense and give animal control the ability to seize dogs if the owners are deemed reckless (I do not know how that is defined).

Things are not 100% free and clear in Toledo, as residents still fall under the state law that deems 'pit bulls' as vicious -- however, that law is also up for debate when the state Senate session begins again next month (a bill removing breed specific legislation from the state law passed in the House of Representatives last Spring).

The admitted failings of Toledo's old law, the forced resignation of the dog warden who supported it, the lawsuits and the court rulings againt the law became too much and the law has finally been repealed.

Also, the Lucas County Dog Warden's office is now sending out application forms to reputable rescues to become a rescue partner. Imagine that, they are actually actively seeking out rescues to work with to help place pit bull and non pits in responsible, reputable rescues